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Monica Stephenson

Resident

Supervised By
Elizabeth A. Contreras, LPC-S, LMFT-S
Credentials
  • Master of Divinity
  • Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist-Associate
Practice Locations
  • Central Office
Life Stages
  • Adolescents, 13-17 years
  • College, Young Adults
  • Adults
  • Seniors, 65+ years
  • Couples
  • Families
Areas of Focus
  • Boundaries
  • Family therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Marriage, couples
  • Pre-engagement, pre-married
  • Premarital Counseling/Marriage Prep
  • Substance abuse/addiction
Education
  • Masters in Biblical Counseling, Dallas Theological Seminary
  • Masters of Divinity, George W. Truett Theological Seminary
  • Bachelors of Science in Business, Indiana University

Philosophy

Counseling is a collaborative relationship where the individual, couple, family or group is able to take a journey toward greater health and wholeness. We all have an essential need for self-exploration and connection with others. I believe that each person is wonderfully made with inherent dignity, worth and value. However, traumatic experiences, broken relationships and life’s challenges distort our thinking resulting in the feeling of being stuck. As a counselor, my role is to create a nurturing environment where insight and positive change is more likely to happen.

Monica is a native of Indiana and received her bachelors in business with an emphasis on information systems and international studies. She spent 15 years in corporate America helping companies solve their business needs and leading teams as a project management professional. She realized through her work and personal counseling that health and wellness is a function of biological, psychological, social and spiritual influences. Her journey began to better understand God and people so that she might partner with others to help them flourish. Monica obtained her master’s in divinity while serving as chaplain to Baylor University students. Her role as pastor in residence gave her insight into the importance of a right understanding of God and the ministry of presence. It was through her counseling degree that she gained an appreciation for the connection between theology (thinking about God) and Psychology (thinking about the mind and behavior). Monica believes that humans were not meant to journey through life alone. Although brokenness happens through relationships, they can also be the catalyst for healing.

Monica is a foodie and enjoys exploring new restaurants and different cuisines. She loves to travel and hopes to expand her understanding of different cultures and people groups. Her passions include spending time with her husband and daughter and experiencing the world through books, art and history.

Additional areas of focus:
Boundaries
Codependency
Depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts
Faith and spirituality
Family therapy
Grief and loss
Group therapy
Guilt and shame
Identity and self-image
Infertility, miscarriage
LGBTQ+
Life changes/transitions
Marriage, couples
Parenting
Pre-engagement, pre-married
Relationship issues
School-related issues
Social skills
Stress management
Substance abuse/addiction
Trauma
Women's issues, young women

In addition to our Central Office, Monica sees clients at community partner locations as part of our PACT program. For more information about our PACT Program and community partners, please click HERE.

Certifications

  • Certified Facilitator in Prepare/Enrich pre-marital/marriage assessment tool
  • Trained Level 1 Gottman Method Couples Therapy
  • Trained Facilitator in Christian Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (CPREP)
  • Certified Facilitator in Marriage Core enrichment curriculum